title: Fitwits: preparing residency-based physicians to discuss childhood obesity with preteens.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the Fitwits MD office tool and games for obesity discussions with 9- to 12-year-olds.
  
  
  METHODS
  A nonrandomized intervention study using pre- and posttest assessments in 2 residency programs compared 31 control group and 55 intervention physicians (34 previously trained, 21 newly trained to use Fitwits). Surveys addressed comfort and competence regarding: obesity prevention and treatment, nutrition, exercise, portion size, body mass index (BMI), and the term "obesity." We surveyed all groups at baseline and 5 months (post 1) and new trainees 3 months later (post 2).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In post 1, prior trainees reported significantly increased comfort and competence for discussing obesity prevention, portion size, BMI, and "obesity." In post 2, new trainees reported significantly increased comfort and competence discussing obesity prevention and treatment, portion size, and BMI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Experience using Fitwits improved residency-based physician comfort and competence in obesity prevention and treatment, portion size, BMI, and "obesity" discussions with preadolescents.
authors.affiliation: 1University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, St. Margaret Family Medicine Residency Program, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Valerie M P
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Wislo
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McGaffey
authors.forename: Kristen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Scopaz
authors.forename: Frank J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: D'Amico
authors.forename: Ilene Katz
authors.initials: IK
authors.lastname: Jewell
authors.forename: Michael W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Bridges
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hogan
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hughes
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002983:Clinical Competence; D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D010414:Pennsylvania; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: body mass index; childhood obesity; competence; health literacy; portion size; tools